It is possible to find intelligent, accessible music if you know where to look. I looked on introducingtheincredible.com and found the EP My Crazy Pony by Neil. C. Young. The level of playing on this recording makes the music sound effortless, some tunes sounding like standards you just never heard before. The performances are assured and delivered with great feel so that from the Latin rhythm of Time Will Sing to the lyricism of Ballade or the relaxed swing of I Think Her Name, something on this EP will shake or move you.

Apart from drums and percussion - which are provided by his brother Richard (erstwhile drummer for The Earlies) - all tracks on the CD are composed, arranged and recorded by the gifted Mr. Young. On Time Will Sing, the rhythm section is augmented by a string section also arranged and performed by this multi-talented chap who, although known as a guitar player, also makes the bass move along with an irresistible, unfussy groove.

The quality of the production is excellent and it's hard to believe it was recorded and mixed on a laptop. This CD is an example of a kind of cottage industry, and this trend, well established in pop and rock music, where musicians take control of the means of production, cut out the record company and market their work directly to the public, is relatively new to jazz and should be welcomed. I suggest you take this pony for a ride, you would be crazy not to.

- Bill Palmer, Avanti Display